The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1887-05-26
SECRET OF MY FOOTSTOOL.

My brother gave his work a final
polish and then viewed the valuable
articles approvingly before placing
them in their softly-padded case.
''Think they look well, little wom-
am"
Il think they do, indeed" Ianswer-
ed, in unqualified admiration. for Ted
was a capital workman, and had
mended the pretty trinkets very skill
fully. 81 am sure Mr.. Bailey will be
pleased. The owner herself would be
puzzled to detect where she damaged
them"
Ted smiled; then, as he did not in
tend to take them back to the shop
until the return of his employer, which
would not be till the morrow, he de-
posted both the jeweled bracelets in
his customary 'non-burglar-proof
SAFE" as he jokingly called a small,
strong, square box which he had fitted
with lock and key, padded inside and
out, and covered with chintz to match
our sofa. He made use of this as a
footstool, saying that evi~l-disposed
persons would be the less likely to ex-
anime it; and many a Jest he had
about his placing gems under my feet,
and about mo haipro cn,,n ,,o,,o, r;+b
a high mind, for | set my foot upon
gold, and the like nonsense. Dear old
Ted He was so clever at his trade,
and so trustworthy, that he had al
ways more work than he could get
through. He was very fond of me
his poor little crippled sister-would
never allow me to sit too long at my
needle, and shared with me in every
possible way the little duties neces-
STATED by our humble menage; so he
and logged along very peaceably. We
lodged in two rooms in a quiet street
on the outskirts OF Bridgeport. Our
landlady was a kindly old body who
had known our parents long before
either Ted or | found ourselves on this
worlds stage.
Having put away the bracelets safe
ly, my brother next packed up three
or four watches he had been busy set
ting to rights, and prepared to go to
the shop in Bridgeport which usually
employed him. Watched him putting
on his o%vercoat, for the day was very
cold; but he seemed slow in his move
ments. and | thought he was reluctant
to leave me alone, for, though | was
generally active enough, considering
my infirmity, one of my bad spells was
now on me, when, as he knew, | found
moving about n pain and a difficulty
for some days. 1t happened, too,
that Mrs. Brown-our landlady-had
gone out for the day-a very rare oc-
currence.
Can | do anything else for you be-
fore l go?" he asked.
mo. Ted, dear, thank you"
MAKE sure; look round and see If
everything is put handy for you,"
said my brother, placing my crutch a
little nearer.
Everything" l replied, cheerfully.
"And I've such a lot OF work to get
through, l shall find the afternoon
short"
Il don't half like your being left
alone so long, for l may not be back
before fve," said Ted, cycling me dubi-
ously. Cousin Milly would comeround
if | asked her"
"Yes, and bring her baby, who
would hinder my work sadly. don't
like babies when lam busy. Go away,
Ted, youdear oldfellow! Don't bother
about mel shall be all right"
swell, by-by, little woman, he said,
STOPPING to kiss me; "Ill be home as
soon as | can. "And, Bessie" he
added, pausing in the doorway, abe
sure you don't touch the window to-
day. The sash line snapped this
morning. must send a carpenter to
see to it. You will remember?"
l promised that | would, and my
brother departed. 1 heard him 60
down stairs and shut the street door.
At first the unusual quiet ofthe house
was rather depressing; but l soon be-
came too much engrossed in sewing to
pay attention to that and stitched
away busily at some things l was COM
pleting for a lady who was kind
enough to praise my needlework, pre-
ierring it, as many did, to machine
stitched articles. !
Presently l thought heard a slight
noise down stairs, like the opening of
awindow, but as all Remained quiet aft
erward, l put it down to my imagi-
nation, and went on TRANQUILITY with
my work.
After some time l was startled to
hear a step, stealthy, but distinctly
audible on the landing outside, while
under the door appeared the shadow
Of some one moving.
Perhaps Mrs. Brown has return
ed" was the thought in my mind as l